Grimes, Art Angels Review

Grimes has been relatively silent musically since her infinitely perfect 2012 album ‘Visions’ apart from a generally well received but fan hated single ‘Go’ last year. It has seemed a long wait for any new material from the elfin Canadian, then just as winter envelops a rushed release of Grimes’ fourth album ‘Art Angels’ is released. And I almost wish it never had been.

There are a group of girls at my college who dress with a pale tumblr theme in mind, they wear oversized cardigans and probably will tell you that Spirited Away is their favourite film. I am sure that Grimes is their favourite musician as well because she is ‘weird, original (and vegan)’, the issue with ‘Art Angels’ however is that there is a thin line between quirky and mind numbing. 

The album sounds like a mix of a 1980s SEGA video game and ethereal alt pop that mostly falls short of having anything relatable or listenable. Second track ‘California’ sits in a similar box to the Candy Crush neon of PC Music’s roster, with vocals and lyrics about as pleasant to listen to as a dial-up connection for noughties broadband. ‘Scream’ promises bloodthirst with a snarling guitar intro, but instead whimpers with childish roars and surreal foreign language vocals. Much of the album lacks Grimes’ subdued power and instead punts for full on rage, adding vocal effect after vocal effect then leaves her about as intimidating as a goldfish.

There are glimpses of beauty within this album, ‘Easily’ begins like a Sampha track and glides effortlessly as a well-timed ballad. The song sounds effortlessly noughties using the best of Britney and vibing classic Grimes squeaky dance breaks. There is nothing wrong with pop music and trying to make a record commercially viable, The 1975 did it this year with ‘Love Me’ and Charlie XCX’s riotous brand of girl pop is making waves. The issue with Grimes is that this record feels almost satirical in its production of a pop record. ‘Artangels’ sounds nice but also feels like a SNL spoof of a Danish pop group, Grimes is a hugely talented artist yet the album lacks an honesty one would expect from Boucher. Whether it is artistry or just a change in direction, ‘Art Angels’ feels unloving.